Matching serial numbers 1214 verify manufacture in 1855, the first year of production. While it can be tempting to label this a true Civil War battlefield pistol—and it is, technically—the pistol’s superb original condition makes significant heavy wartime USE unlikely.
Roughly 80% of the original bluing remains intact. The varnish on the one piece walnut grip is original throughout. The cylinder scene is excellent. Overall condition is outstanding including the action.
Properly designated the Model 1855 .28 Caliber Sidehammer Colt, it earned the nickname “Root” from Elijah Root, Sam Colt’s childhood friend and the pistol’s designer.
The Model 1855 Root is unique among Colt’s percussion pistols for having a solid frame—all other percussion Colts used open-top frames.
8 inch overall length
For purchase or inquiries, please call us at (504) 522-3305 and let us know you are interested in # 0020025002 E-290
